Joke of the Day: The column that says people don’t want a rescue mission in Bridgeton because it might give the town a bad image.

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Good evening!

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“The mayor of Bridgeton asked the church community to provide shelter during severe cold days.

“Only three churches answered the call.

“I thought we were our brother’s keeper.’’

— David Harris

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Actually, it’s four churches, David.

And others are donating.

You have to understand, this is something new for everyone except Pastor Ron Hudak, whose family has been serving the homeless for nine years.

When he arrives at the shelter, it’s like he’s home.

He knows what to do.

He knows what to say.

He knows when to hug.

He doesn’t gawk.

We could call it work, but that would be demeaning.

Are we enabling?

Not any more than we enable government.

At least we know what it is.

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At Bethany Grace Community Church, 41 N. Pearl St., Bridgeton:

Sunday.

5 to 6 p.m.: Clothing Closet and Soup Kitchen

5:30 to 8 p.m.: Christmas Caroling with reception at Pastor Robin's home

Wednesday.

9:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Christmas Brunch for the community.

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Justus Livingston passes after brightening Bridgeton for almost a century.

“I need to say rest in peace to one of the greatest, kindest, warmest men I have been blessed to know.

“My ‘Jup’ Livingston.

“I shall miss your smile and kindness forever and ever.’

“Your little Harriet."

— Cindy

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New analysis by the Center for Urban Research and Education (CURE) at Rutgers–Camden and The Century Foundation (TCF) reveals that concentrated poverty has increased by 50 percent since 2000, and more than 11 million Americans now reside in neighborhoods where at least two in every five households live below the poverty line.

Authored by Paul A. Jargowsky, a professor of public policy and CURE director at Rutgers–Camden, the new report, “Concentration of Poverty in the New Millennium is the first to compare the 2000 census data with the 2007-11 American Community Survey (ACS).

The report reveals the extent to which concentrated poverty has returned to and, in some ways exceeded, the previous peak level of 1990.

Concentrated poverty is defined as census tracts where more than 40 percent of households live below the federal poverty threshold, currently set at approximately $23,000 per year for a family of four.

“More than 11 million Americans — or 4 percent of the population — live in severely distressed neighborhoods,” says Jargowsky, a TCF fellow.

“Overall, the proportion of high-poverty neighborhoods dominated by a single racial or ethnic group has dropped from two-thirds in 1990, to 50 percent in 2007-11,” says Jargowsky.

“Meanwhile, the number of non-Hispanic white people living in high-poverty neighborhoods more than doubled between 2000 and 2007-11 — from 1.4 million to 2.9 million — a larger percentage change than any other racial or ethnic group.”

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Ship those jobs overseas.

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“Good day, TBolt Nation!

“It is with deepest regret that we notify you on passing of one of the TBolt Club's most influential leaders throughout the 1970-1990s, Jack ‘Squirrel’ Zellers.

“Please take a moment to toast his life and contributions to the club and athletes of MSHS.’’

— Mac

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Nobody coached the Thundebolts and Tony Surace like Jack Zellers while working the chains at home games.

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“Well said, Mac.

“If you knew Squirrel, then you knew he LOVED Millville athletics and supported all the players and teams.

“Millville sports has lost a real sports icon. He was known throughout South Jersey.

“’Squirrel’ from Millville followed teams wherever they played. Active Thunderbolt Club member and past president.